It
seems fitting as I begin this blog, that I am watching Apollo 13. I mean, if ever
there were a film about the necessary preparation for a launch, it is this
one. This week's blog is about the
launch (or the first few days) of an online course. What are the considerations that one must
consider in their design that will provide an experience that is engaging, and
meaningful to the students? Here are a
few questions and answers that address the launch of an online course.
Why is it essential to communicate clear expectations to
learners?
If you do
not know where you are going, how will you ever get there? Attrition is a concerning factor in online
education (Palloff, & Pratt, n.d.).
If learners are frustrated because expectations are vague, then they are
not likely to stay with the course.
Clear expectations are especially important for those who are new to the
online environment (Conrad, & Donaldson, 2011). Clear expectations are also a reflection of a
high level of planning and reflect application of distance learning theory
(Smaldino, Simonson, Albright, & Zvacek, 2011).
What is the significance of knowing the technology available
to you?
Knowing
the technology available allows the instructor to be creative in ways that can
create an environment that is engaging and fun.
The experts in this week's video (Palloff, and Pratt, n.d.) speak to the
importance of keeping the environment from being too serious. Multi-media tools that allow for audio and
video content can enrich the environment and keep learners engaged with the
instructor and with each other (Palloff, & Pratt, n.d.). Technology is also a way for online learners
to protect their privacy if that is their desire. Dr. Pratt mentions using an avatar in the
online setting rather than one's actual picture (Palloff, & Pratt,
n.d.).
What additional considerations
should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning
experience?
There is much to consider when setting up an online
course. Besides using technology and establishing
clear expectations, the instructor needs to establish themselves in the course
community in a way that makes them more relatable (Palloff, & Pratt,
n.d.). The use of technology can help
with this task. Instructors must also
take the time to get to know their students.
Something as simple as using the names of students in a post and
remembering something about the students can make the difference for many (Palloff,
& Pratt, n.d.). Instructors must
also create an environment where students understand their role in the
community. Asking good questions of students
that move discussions forward and add depth to the conversations is an
important job for an online instructor (Palloff, & Pratt, n.d.). Finally, the online instructor must create an
environment that is safe and respectful of the needs of students (Palloff,
& Pratt, n.d.).
References
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J.A. (2011) Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for
creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Howard, R. (Director) (19950. Apollo 13 [DVD].
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (n.d.). Launching the online experience [Web]. Retrieved from https://class.
waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=2_1&url=/webapps
/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_1375244_1url=
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance:
Foundations of distance education (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson
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